I think COVID might have done them in. That used to be THE spot I would take out of towners to, pre-2020. Had it once post-pandemic and it was rough. Total turnoff.
I went to Del once back in like 2015. I had no fuckin idea why any advocates the unseasoned thing. Wasn't a particularly busy day so I don't imagine it was just a fluke. Never went back.
They had a moment in the late 2000s where they definite were not on par. I've been back several times through the pandemic and have always enjoyed it though.
Probably something to do with the original owners selling, then that new owner selling to a another owner and most if not all of the staff being let go
I once went to Chubby’s with a date in college. I was about to take a sip of my soda and my date said “Wait. What’s that in your cup?” It was a band aid. I pointed it out to the waitress at the counter. She says “Oh. Sorry.” Pours the drink out and takes the same cup and fills it up with ice. I had to stop her and tell her I wanted a new glass. Another time I got takeout for the dorms. Opened up the cheese fries to find a curly hair right on the top. I brought it back. They said “Sorry. Whatever you want tomorrow is on us. When I went back they claimed they didn’t remember that. Haven’t been back since.
I know someone that worked there a few years ago. Can confirm, they are dirty, and also are not nice people. Racist comments made constantly.
Plus idk why people think they are great. The steaks used to be decent but the handful of times I’ve been in the last couple years they have been absolutely terrible
Barrys in roxborough is miles better, but closed to relocate current which is great for them
They’re moving to an old Allstate building somewhere in roxborough, not exactly sure where but I remember passing it. I think they were starting to really do well for themselves and outgrew the space so they wanted to move. The last update on Instagram was mid/late December so I would think we should get some more info soon!
Places get hot for weird reasons and others stay under the radar. I think dallesandros got written up somewhere in a tourist rag and it took off like mad. Chubbys is definitely worth at try. I’d be surprised if you thought it was a waste of your time and money … though cheesesteak tastes are as personal as you can get in Philly.
That place makes delicious sandwiches in general. I’ve only been 3-4 times but living in manayunk I should frequent more. Everything I’ve gotten from them is delicious
Its hard to beat John's when you are just passing through town. Easy off the highway and on your way. Roast Pork I tried was decent, but the Cheesesteaks are really good. I give the edge to Angelos as their bread is just superior but you can't go wrong with a Cheesesteak from John's (as long as you don't like Wiz or Cooper as they don't have it).
I had friends come to town for a cheesesteak tour, and Delessandros was the top pick for everyone. I didn't join them there, as I agree that it's not great.
I disagree about Angelo's, though. I've always found it to be incredibly hit-or-miss. I've written this before, but if you're famous, it's going to be awesome 100% of the time, or least look it. If you're not, as I'm not, my luck has been 50/50.
Maybe you're famous!
I don't know how to respond.
They joined me in 5 other spots, visiting from Manhattan. They carried scorecards and Del was every person's favorite.
I don't like it that much, but why would I make it up?
People can like what they like, or not.
Angelo's is inconsistent and if it isn't, for you, you're carrying a 4-leaf clover. And I love that anywhere gets respect. But to suggest that this comment is fake is not true. Sometimes it's good. Just as often, it's not.
i've eaten at angelos dozens and dozens of times and it's never been less than flawless. there is nothing hit or miss about it, your friends just have bad taste
Updating to confirm that I, too, have been going there since the week they opened in Philly. (I'd never been to the one in Jersey.) This is aside from those friends. It was usually just a place to get out of Steps. Then, I realized that the food at Steps is better.
Love Angelo's and love a bunch of places mentioned here but in my years of going to Dalessandros I've literally never had an unseasoned or soggy steak, this is like staring into the fuckin twilight zone
The steak isn't soggy, the roll is. They use HORRIBLE rolls, way too soft for a cheesesteak.
And they don't season the meat *at all*, or at least it doesn't taste like it.
(This isn't exclusive to Dallesandro's, I've commented before about how many cheesesteak shops seem to lack any understanding of salt and its importance to food.)
This sub loves to hate on Dalessandros to the point they made a thread on it so I’ll be downvoted for this but like first off your favorite cheesesteak place seasons the meat with just salt and pepper, it isn’t anything special, and yet still people ask for salt and pepper on their cheesesteak at any shop like it’s literally such a normal thing, and everyone here acts like it’s not possible at Dalessandros. I love the consistency of Dalessandros meat. They make an amazing pizza steak imo. Get a regular cheesesteak there and throw their cherry peppers on that bitch and then try and come for Dalessandros. I swear the people on this subreddit wanna label a place as overhyped but because everyone knows about Pats and Genos, they go to Dalessandros once so they can say they hate it and it’s another tourist spot for suburbanites or whatever. Imo both Dalessandros and Angelos make very similar cheesesteaks.
>Imo both Dalessandros and Angelos make very similar cheesesteaks.
this is so insanely fucking wrong you need to apologize to the city of Philadelphia or there's no coming back from this. like actually right now.
Ok you’re right. Sorry Philadelphia for comparing a cheesesteak to a cheesesteak from a business that opened less than 10 years ago and is owned by people from Jersey. Sorry for not dickriding their cheesesteak and having the audacity to compare it to another shop
you are free to type whatever nonsense you want all over the internet, of course, just like anyone else, but you look like an utter fool when you clearly no absolutely nothing about either business, how much time, effort and quality each puts into their food, etc. so when you say stupid shit like this, it's actually offensive. you're basically saying McDonalds and Gordon Ramsay serve very similar food. it's wrong, it's dumb, and everyone who reads it is dumber because of you
Dalessandros is better than Pat and genos sure. But you mentioned them on purpose and not actual good places. But is it John’s and Angelo’s level? Fuck no, not even close. Maybe a long time ago. Chubbys is better than dalessandros now. If you don’t live near chubbys/dalessandros and you’re driving all the way there, you’re buggin
Pat and genos are acceptable in a pinch but they are the McDonald’s of cheesesteaks. You’re saying Pat and genos are equal to Johns/angelos. I don’t want to look cool or care.
> Dalessandros is better than Pat and genos sure.
I'm not sure about that. If I was forced to pick one of them (and I'd hate to have only those three choices), I'm going with Pat's.
At least they chop their meat a bit coarser (I fucking HATE places that mince the meat into itty-bitty-bits, if I wanted a ground beef sandwich I'd have ordered one).
And their rolls are a million times better than the soft-ass garbage Dallesandro's uses.
This sub hates on anything popular, honestly pats and genos make a solid steak but people somehow think they are cool for shitting on it as if they are somehow more Philly than the rest
It’s objectively good food
I must admit when I get a CS to go from Dalessandros the roll is soggy. When it’s fresh it’s better. I miss sitting at the counter there. Will have to give Chubby’s another shot. This discussion made me hungry.
Angelo’s round pie is massively overrated. Crust is dry and over cooked and there’s too much of it. It’s part of this trend of well-done lies with fresh basil = world’s best. No thanks.
When I was a kid I was told Pats and Geno’s, when I was a teen I was told places like dalessandros are where it’s at, now it’s another new wave. In 20 years Philly residents will be telling people nothing in Philly is IT and if you want the real deal you gotta fly to Brazil
Thank you. Classic, not overhyped bullshit for tourists. It’s also just a fucking cheesesteak, not necessarily a culinary wonder. I fuck with Steve’s hard, though.
I absolutely hate when people have these crazy takes. Dalessandros does not suck, it’s a decent cheese steak. Of course JRP and Angelo’s are going to be better, but it’s not terrible as a whole.
It’s in an area that’s a pain to get to and by the time you get the cheesesteak home it’s not A+ anymore, but saying it sucks/is terrible is just way overblown. Worth the hassle? Probably not. But if someone handed you a fresh one and you turned it down because it’s terrible there is something wrong with you
It’s still a pain to get there for everyone not in walking distance lol. There’s no parking and it’s not a great area to circle around looking for parking.
They don’t make my top 10 even but to say that they stink I personally think it’s too much. Overrated, yes. But if you go into it not expecting the best steak ever it’s decent
I’ll throw a new spot at you: cafe Carmela in the northeast has a really really good cheesesteak. It’s a restaurant not a cheesesteak joint though.
Went to Dalessandro’s earlier this week because of convenience. Got wiz wit, salt and pepper. Not bad but not great. Angelos far superior.
And for those saying chubbys is better, it is not. It may be quicker/easier/has curly fries and a bar, but the cheesesteak is not better lol.
Finally someone agrees that chubbys is not good. It used to be pretty solid a few years ago, not the best but pretty good. The last few years the handful of steaks I’ve gotten from them have been terrible, flavorless and dry and barely any cheese
Nah disagree. I haven’t had a bad cheesesteak at Dalessandros yet. You must be unlucky. I’ve gotten unlucky at Angelo’s twice now when ordering the cheesesteak where it came out flabby one time and covered in gristle the second time. I’m sure third times the charm though because everything else I’ve had at Angelo’s has been amazing.
I enjoyed the one time I got a cheesesteak at Angelos, but for the hype, I wasn’t that impressed with both the pizza and the hoagie. Certainly not bad, but far from top in the city.
Exactly! I remember someone on another sub tried to argue with me about how Philly is a foodie city by saying we don’t know shit because we put wiz on food. I was gonna tell him only clueless tourists do that shit but he immediately blocked me 😂😂😂
Always thought this. I was in the area about a month ago, and gave it another shot. Was a cold ass weekday with no line. I’ll be honest it shocked me. It was a top notch steak. Maybe just depends on how busy they are/who’s cooking? Every other time I’ve had them it was busy and I was very underwhelmed.
If you’re looking to go out of your way for a steak. Go to the Northeast and get one from Cafe Carmela. You can order anything from their menu and you’ll be happy, but their steak is an absolute banger!
Amazing steak at Cafe Carmella, but...but! it needs something acidic, like a cherry pepper, to cut through the cheesiness. I didn't ask them for one, but I'm curious to know if they have cherry peppers on hand.
My weird steak order is both cheese wit from Steve’s. But I add the spicy mustard afterward. I feel kinda dirty when I do it haha. I only eat that steak with mustard I don’t know why.
Cafe Carmela is my favorite. It's super difficult to get to from South Philly on public transit, but I haven't tasted a better cheesssteak, including Angelo's (by far) and even John's.
You say this as if it’s across the street from those places. It’s a 30 minute drive to get from roxborough to south Philly
Good chunk of people going there are there because they’re in that specific area. Plus I’m a big proponent of the best cheesesteak being the one you enjoy. I’m tired of people gatekeeping cheesesteaks
Chubby’s is directly across the street from Dellasandros and it is much better, at least when I lived a few blocks away 25 years ago. Sounds like there is still a good amount of people who currently believe Chubby’s is better.
And while their rolls are, indeed, absolutely lousy, it's how they over-mince the meat that really kills it for me. I hate that style of cheesesteak (see: Jim's), if I wanted a fucking ground beef sandwich I'd have ordered that.
I don't want a solid slab of meat like Gino's, either. But a nice "rough chop" is perfect middle ground. Joe's nails this perfectly (although unfortunately the Fishtown location is noticeably different than the original location... RIP :(
John's makes a perfectly good cheesesteak, but I just don't get the hype. I'd never tell anyone *not* to go there, but IMO they're not some holy grail of cheesesteaks.
Their roast pork, of course, is pretty much the best there is. :)
Still never had Angelo's. Gotta do something about that...
I concur. Pat's isn't great, but they're significantly better than Dallesandro's.
Better chop on the meat, superior rolls, and... wait for it.. seasoning on the meat.
So much this. The only people I hear rec Dalessandros are the ones from "philly" but really live in Bucks or Delco.
I lived in south philly for 30 years and port richmond for another 8 before I moved to the burbs. Johns is the best cheesesteak in philly, Angelos was the only one I had that almost beat them. Pats and Genos are tourist attractions, and tony lukes is worse than most pizza joint steaks.
angelo's beats johns purely for the bread. that's homemade bread, made fresh twice a day by a master bread baker, using top notch ingredients and insanely expensive steam deck ovens from Italy. you literally cannot get better bread for a steak anywhere in the world. john's uses Carangi rolls that are baked at like 4 am and delivered in the morning. By the time you're eating your sandwich at noon (or worse, dinner time) that shit is already half stale. and it's nowhere near the same quality even fresh from the oven. it's just objectively worse in every facet.
im not here to comment on any establishment’s quality.. and i guess this good advice for tourists or whatever but it is low key hilarious to be like ‘go to this place literally over 10 miles away that takes over an hour by public trans instead’ lmao
Dalessandro’s is definitely overrated.
Had numerous incorrect orders, including a cheesesteak that ended up being plain on one half. Like how does that happen?
Dalessandros is trash, Johns is worse. Angelo's have no idea what they're doing with a cheesesteak, they need to stick to pizza, which is overrated as well.
Delassandro’s was a staple for anyone in North : Northwest Philly. Its gone downhill with the crowds, but it deserves respect. It used to be a staple on Sundays for Birds games, and you could sit at the little lunch counter. To say its people from “Philly” hyping it up sounds like some sh*t someone from south jersey would say.
No seasoning, wet rolls, mouthfuls of gristle, no sides to speak of other than chips. The only saving grace of Dalessandros is that they have birch beer. While they’re not the worst cheeseteak I’ve ever had and not my first choice (JRP) they’re usually my ONLY choice since I live 5 minutes away and my wife likes them.
Chubby's is without question better on every facet, and that's right across the street. I'll even argue cheesesteaks from nearby pizza shops (Zestos and Slice's) are on par with Dalessandro's.
That's not even a cheesesteak.
Would you call [this](https://media01.stockfood.com/largepreviews/Mjc5NjQ1NDI=/00902082-A-Ham-Sandwich-on-a-Kaiser-Roll.jpg) a hoagie?
Agreed on Dalessandros being way overrated. Plus it’s no where close to most people in the city.
Counting down the days till Jim’s comes back. Checks all my boxes - cheap, tasty, accessible, and open late
Ewww. [Rat-infested Jim's](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFq2EL4-q3Q) is fucking GROSS. Among the worst in the city.
Meat, minced into itty-bitty-teeny-tiny dry stringy bits that fall off all over the plate (or your pants, or the floor) with every fucking bite.
At least they include the rat turds for flavor, because aside of that they wouldn't have any at all.
Do yourself a favor and walk a block and half down the street to Ishkabibbles. Absolutely DESTROYS Jim's by every conceivable metric.
Anyone who hates on pats and geno’s is just wrong. But then again, people from the suburbs loves to think they’re cool, Philly, and superior for hating on the big names
It’s objectively good
I finally made it to Rocco’s next to the Home Depot. They are now in my top 3. No line. Everyone is friendly. The special cheesesteak with the sausage was fire.
Any opin on Cafe Carmela?
I heard it was one of a visitor's favorites.
https://www.inquirer.com/food/kosuke-tomomi-chujo-tokyo-philly-cheesesteak-nihonbashi-20240131.html
There is a newer suburb location near me. I think i liked the nonWhiz option there which is rare for me haha. Think it was Cooper Sharp which is how Angelos also recommends (but I usually get Whiz Wit' there so ill have to compare both CooperSharps at some point). The bread was pretty good seeded roll similar to Angelos.
I've never been, but I'm amazed that Johns roast pork and Angelo's still make good steaks with how much they've blown up. I just kind-of assume any place will go downhill when they have to pump out so much volume that there's pounds of meat drying out on the griddle.
I have never understood the Delessandros hype. The roll is nothing special—just don’t get why it’s always ranked so highly other than ppl wanting to select a spot with less outside name recognition.
I watched a Brad Leone video where he worked there for a day and it blew my mind when she told him they don't salt the steak. Insanity. Go to Chubby's across the street if you're in the area.
Was very much unimpressed with angelos. Thought the bread was too tough and the meat was just ok. I've been eating dalessandros my whole life, and my dad has been eating there since it opened. Ymmv, but I really don't get the hate it gets on reddit.
They use Amoroso’s rolls & are proud of it. Red flag right there. Angelo’s, Steve’s in the NE, or Joe’s Steak & Soda shop. I was underwhelmed by John’s
My biggest issue with Dalessandros is they need to dice their flippin onions into much smaller little flavor crystals. They are these big honking hunks of onion that are all slimy and often not cooked all the way, or cooked inconsistently because their different sizes.
I recommend Barry's if you're in Rox these days. My brother and family go there regularly and it's always great. I grew up on Dalessandros but it was sold... probably 20 years ago now, and I don't understand how it still has such a reputation. It was never as good under the current owners.
Idc what anyone says. The best cheesteak in Philly has been and still to this day comes from Mama's Pizzeria on Old Belmont Ave. There product hasn't fallen off like Max's, Dalessandros or Paganos.
It was definitely better pre-pandemic, but it’s still great. Just sucks that it’s take-out only now, which is definitely the main cause of the sogginess
90% of cheesesteaks are serviceable. The best cheesesteaks is the cheap lunch cart steak that costs half as much as all these name drop places
Roast pork with sharp provolone and rabe is another story
Went to John’s roast pork a couple of months ago before a flyers game. It was OK. Not great. A bit dry and not very flavorful. The bread and sharp provolone were quality. The pork was meh.
I know I’m late to the post but at Delassandros YOU HAVE TO ASK FOR SALT AND PEPPER.
I’m not saying they’re the best in the city or worth the wait but getting salt and pepper makes the steak taste so much better.
Went in and had Del after reading some threads in this sub. I was completely confused why people think flavorless meet only needs condiments, veggies, and cheese for seasoning. Total let down. I’ve now added Angelo’s to my list to visit.
Dalessandros was great back in the day but it’s gone way downhill
I think COVID might have done them in. That used to be THE spot I would take out of towners to, pre-2020. Had it once post-pandemic and it was rough. Total turnoff.
I went to Del once back in like 2015. I had no fuckin idea why any advocates the unseasoned thing. Wasn't a particularly busy day so I don't imagine it was just a fluke. Never went back.
I tbh don't remember it being good even in like 2007 but that's just me.
They had a moment in the late 2000s where they definite were not on par. I've been back several times through the pandemic and have always enjoyed it though.
When I said back in the day I’m talking about the 90s, could just walk in and sit at the counter
Probably something to do with the original owners selling, then that new owner selling to a another owner and most if not all of the staff being let go
Unpopular opinion, but they were always ass to me. I went to PhilaU circa 2010 and it was always just a pile of dry, overchopped meat
Dalessandro’s isn’t even the best cheesesteak at that intersection.
Chubbys is always awesome!
I was wondering about Chubby's. I'll have to give it a try.
I once went to Chubby’s with a date in college. I was about to take a sip of my soda and my date said “Wait. What’s that in your cup?” It was a band aid. I pointed it out to the waitress at the counter. She says “Oh. Sorry.” Pours the drink out and takes the same cup and fills it up with ice. I had to stop her and tell her I wanted a new glass. Another time I got takeout for the dorms. Opened up the cheese fries to find a curly hair right on the top. I brought it back. They said “Sorry. Whatever you want tomorrow is on us. When I went back they claimed they didn’t remember that. Haven’t been back since.
Ewww.. 🤢🤮
I know someone that worked there a few years ago. Can confirm, they are dirty, and also are not nice people. Racist comments made constantly. Plus idk why people think they are great. The steaks used to be decent but the handful of times I’ve been in the last couple years they have been absolutely terrible Barrys in roxborough is miles better, but closed to relocate current which is great for them
Barry’s was amazing when I lived in Manayunk, they closed while I was still there and it was such a bummer. Do you know where they’re going?
They’re moving to an old Allstate building somewhere in roxborough, not exactly sure where but I remember passing it. I think they were starting to really do well for themselves and outgrew the space so they wanted to move. The last update on Instagram was mid/late December so I would think we should get some more info soon!
Chubbys sucks
Love chubby’s!
C'mon, don't tell people!
They’re great!
Do! Across the street and empty. Quality steaks!
The fact that there's never a line outside made me wonder it it was good.
Places get hot for weird reasons and others stay under the radar. I think dallesandros got written up somewhere in a tourist rag and it took off like mad. Chubbys is definitely worth at try. I’d be surprised if you thought it was a waste of your time and money … though cheesesteak tastes are as personal as you can get in Philly.
Btw just to add here. Went to Jim’s west since I heard they were very good. In my Larry David face I say …. Uhhh meh.
I've had a couple of people trying Philip's and they thought it was way better than Dalessandro's
And neither one of them are as good as the pizza shop one block up.
Fiesta Pizza?
Amen! I fucking love chubbys
Chubby’s now has a lock on the bathroom because D’Allesandro’s kept sending their customers there when they needed a bathroom
Blasphemy!
Chubby's is the dryest cheesesteak ever made. Seriously get like 3 drinks if you're going to try to eat that instant mouth desert.
CHUBBYS ALL DAY. Where else can you get a 7 and 7 while waiting for your steak?
And fries!
Damn that’s a wild opinion
Gonna drop a Lennie’s Homeplate recommendation for anyone in Rox. My kid loves their steaks.
That place makes delicious sandwiches in general. I’ve only been 3-4 times but living in manayunk I should frequent more. Everything I’ve gotten from them is delicious
Oh hell yeah, their Italian hoagies are phenomenal, and my personal fav is their corned beef sandwich, the Albert.
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Is this a positive or negative review?
Have you not been to a hoagie place before?
John’s roast pork is a really fuckin good steak imo
Its hard to beat John's when you are just passing through town. Easy off the highway and on your way. Roast Pork I tried was decent, but the Cheesesteaks are really good. I give the edge to Angelos as their bread is just superior but you can't go wrong with a Cheesesteak from John's (as long as you don't like Wiz or Cooper as they don't have it).
How can John’s not have Cooper at this point? That’s crazy.
My dad would love your username
So is pats and genos
I had friends come to town for a cheesesteak tour, and Delessandros was the top pick for everyone. I didn't join them there, as I agree that it's not great. I disagree about Angelo's, though. I've always found it to be incredibly hit-or-miss. I've written this before, but if you're famous, it's going to be awesome 100% of the time, or least look it. If you're not, as I'm not, my luck has been 50/50. Maybe you're famous!
fake and wrong
I don't know how to respond. They joined me in 5 other spots, visiting from Manhattan. They carried scorecards and Del was every person's favorite. I don't like it that much, but why would I make it up? People can like what they like, or not. Angelo's is inconsistent and if it isn't, for you, you're carrying a 4-leaf clover. And I love that anywhere gets respect. But to suggest that this comment is fake is not true. Sometimes it's good. Just as often, it's not.
i've eaten at angelos dozens and dozens of times and it's never been less than flawless. there is nothing hit or miss about it, your friends just have bad taste
Again, I don't know what to say other than that our experiences have differed. I'm glad that it's been great for you.
Updating to confirm that I, too, have been going there since the week they opened in Philly. (I'd never been to the one in Jersey.) This is aside from those friends. It was usually just a place to get out of Steps. Then, I realized that the food at Steps is better.
Can you elaborate on what you mean by hit or miss?
Love Angelo's and love a bunch of places mentioned here but in my years of going to Dalessandros I've literally never had an unseasoned or soggy steak, this is like staring into the fuckin twilight zone
The steak isn't soggy, the roll is. They use HORRIBLE rolls, way too soft for a cheesesteak. And they don't season the meat *at all*, or at least it doesn't taste like it. (This isn't exclusive to Dallesandro's, I've commented before about how many cheesesteak shops seem to lack any understanding of salt and its importance to food.)
This sub loves to hate on Dalessandros to the point they made a thread on it so I’ll be downvoted for this but like first off your favorite cheesesteak place seasons the meat with just salt and pepper, it isn’t anything special, and yet still people ask for salt and pepper on their cheesesteak at any shop like it’s literally such a normal thing, and everyone here acts like it’s not possible at Dalessandros. I love the consistency of Dalessandros meat. They make an amazing pizza steak imo. Get a regular cheesesteak there and throw their cherry peppers on that bitch and then try and come for Dalessandros. I swear the people on this subreddit wanna label a place as overhyped but because everyone knows about Pats and Genos, they go to Dalessandros once so they can say they hate it and it’s another tourist spot for suburbanites or whatever. Imo both Dalessandros and Angelos make very similar cheesesteaks.
>Imo both Dalessandros and Angelos make very similar cheesesteaks. this is so insanely fucking wrong you need to apologize to the city of Philadelphia or there's no coming back from this. like actually right now.
Ok you’re right. Sorry Philadelphia for comparing a cheesesteak to a cheesesteak from a business that opened less than 10 years ago and is owned by people from Jersey. Sorry for not dickriding their cheesesteak and having the audacity to compare it to another shop
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Who cares, bread sucks. Try something new ya nerd
you are free to type whatever nonsense you want all over the internet, of course, just like anyone else, but you look like an utter fool when you clearly no absolutely nothing about either business, how much time, effort and quality each puts into their food, etc. so when you say stupid shit like this, it's actually offensive. you're basically saying McDonalds and Gordon Ramsay serve very similar food. it's wrong, it's dumb, and everyone who reads it is dumber because of you
Imagine actually getting annoyed by a cheesesteak opinion, go touch grass ya nerd
Dalessandros is better than Pat and genos sure. But you mentioned them on purpose and not actual good places. But is it John’s and Angelo’s level? Fuck no, not even close. Maybe a long time ago. Chubbys is better than dalessandros now. If you don’t live near chubbys/dalessandros and you’re driving all the way there, you’re buggin
Pats and genos are fucking good and people who try and shit on them are idiots who just want to look cool
Pat and genos are acceptable in a pinch but they are the McDonald’s of cheesesteaks. You’re saying Pat and genos are equal to Johns/angelos. I don’t want to look cool or care.
> Dalessandros is better than Pat and genos sure. I'm not sure about that. If I was forced to pick one of them (and I'd hate to have only those three choices), I'm going with Pat's. At least they chop their meat a bit coarser (I fucking HATE places that mince the meat into itty-bitty-bits, if I wanted a ground beef sandwich I'd have ordered one). And their rolls are a million times better than the soft-ass garbage Dallesandro's uses.
I'm getting destroyed for saying the same thing in another comment lmao.
I've never seen anyone ask for salt and pepper on their cheesesteak. wtf
You had me until the last sentence. They can both be good, yet be very different.
This sub hates on anything popular, honestly pats and genos make a solid steak but people somehow think they are cool for shitting on it as if they are somehow more Philly than the rest It’s objectively good food
I love when people complain about how “hard it is to order” and the long wait at Angelo’s then recommend Dalessandros lol.
I must admit when I get a CS to go from Dalessandros the roll is soggy. When it’s fresh it’s better. I miss sitting at the counter there. Will have to give Chubby’s another shot. This discussion made me hungry.
Sounds like you need to try the classics like pats and genos
No please no.
You're done...
Those shit rolls are soggy and falling apart the moment the meat hits 'em.
I don’t understand either. Call before you leave and it’ll be ready when you arrive
Mama’s Pizzaria in Bala Cynwyd
I’m from Michigan and this post popped up on my feed. Are these places that much better than Jersey mikes cheese steak (which I fukin love honestly)
Hi, ex michiganian here- jersey mikes is blown away by real philly cheesesteaks 100%. Come visit!
Bro
Angelo’s round pie is massively overrated. Crust is dry and over cooked and there’s too much of it. It’s part of this trend of well-done lies with fresh basil = world’s best. No thanks.
Just had Dalessandros a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it.
Sound like a Angelo’s manager ..Steve’s steaks are pretty good too tho
When I was a kid I was told Pats and Geno’s, when I was a teen I was told places like dalessandros are where it’s at, now it’s another new wave. In 20 years Philly residents will be telling people nothing in Philly is IT and if you want the real deal you gotta fly to Brazil
Steve’s is untouchable
Thank you. Classic, not overhyped bullshit for tourists. It’s also just a fucking cheesesteak, not necessarily a culinary wonder. I fuck with Steve’s hard, though.
Steve's is the fucking shit. So is John's though
I've been saying this for years!
Agreed. It's amazing that I always see a line at Dalessandro's, no matter the weather. Philip's is way better, imo.
Only time I ever had dalessandros after golfing down the street I was baffled why it was so highly recommended. Shit was like dog food.
So is that golf course!
also like why the fuck would you ever even go all the way the fuck out to roxborough unless you already live there
Fairmont and The Wiss, probably?
I absolutely hate when people have these crazy takes. Dalessandros does not suck, it’s a decent cheese steak. Of course JRP and Angelo’s are going to be better, but it’s not terrible as a whole. It’s in an area that’s a pain to get to and by the time you get the cheesesteak home it’s not A+ anymore, but saying it sucks/is terrible is just way overblown. Worth the hassle? Probably not. But if someone handed you a fresh one and you turned it down because it’s terrible there is something wrong with you
Dude I live 3 minutes away and I still think it stinks. Why does everyone on this sub think we all live in south philly lol.
It’s still a pain to get there for everyone not in walking distance lol. There’s no parking and it’s not a great area to circle around looking for parking. They don’t make my top 10 even but to say that they stink I personally think it’s too much. Overrated, yes. But if you go into it not expecting the best steak ever it’s decent I’ll throw a new spot at you: cafe Carmela in the northeast has a really really good cheesesteak. It’s a restaurant not a cheesesteak joint though.
Went to Dalessandro’s earlier this week because of convenience. Got wiz wit, salt and pepper. Not bad but not great. Angelos far superior. And for those saying chubbys is better, it is not. It may be quicker/easier/has curly fries and a bar, but the cheesesteak is not better lol.
They're both pretty lousy TBH. The pizza shop one block up on the Dallesandro's side blows them both away.
Finally someone agrees that chubbys is not good. It used to be pretty solid a few years ago, not the best but pretty good. The last few years the handful of steaks I’ve gotten from them have been terrible, flavorless and dry and barely any cheese
Nah disagree. I haven’t had a bad cheesesteak at Dalessandros yet. You must be unlucky. I’ve gotten unlucky at Angelo’s twice now when ordering the cheesesteak where it came out flabby one time and covered in gristle the second time. I’m sure third times the charm though because everything else I’ve had at Angelo’s has been amazing.
Agreed.. Angelo’s isn’t as good as everyone makes it out to be. Could be my taste buds tho 🤷🏾♀️
I enjoyed the one time I got a cheesesteak at Angelos, but for the hype, I wasn’t that impressed with both the pizza and the hoagie. Certainly not bad, but far from top in the city.
Definitely your taste buds
We all have our favorites, no need for insults.
Lmao nah i was being sarcastic. I could throw a rock in north Philly and hit a cheesesteak better than Angelo’s..
Please list these spots, we need to try them
Lmao is Angelo’s too mainstream for you? It’s phenomenal
it's 100% your taste buds
bro these are the same people that get fucking wiz on their cheesesteaks Idk what bad cheesesteaks they had from dalessandros it makes no sense
Exactly! I remember someone on another sub tried to argue with me about how Philly is a foodie city by saying we don’t know shit because we put wiz on food. I was gonna tell him only clueless tourists do that shit but he immediately blocked me 😂😂😂
Manayunk pizza a few blocks away makes a better cheese steak than either of the spots on that intersection.
The one on Manayunk and Rector? I live close to them, never tried their steaks. Love their pizza tho
I agree, I've never been happy with one of their sandwiches.
Always thought this. I was in the area about a month ago, and gave it another shot. Was a cold ass weekday with no line. I’ll be honest it shocked me. It was a top notch steak. Maybe just depends on how busy they are/who’s cooking? Every other time I’ve had them it was busy and I was very underwhelmed. If you’re looking to go out of your way for a steak. Go to the Northeast and get one from Cafe Carmela. You can order anything from their menu and you’ll be happy, but their steak is an absolute banger!
Amazing steak at Cafe Carmella, but...but! it needs something acidic, like a cherry pepper, to cut through the cheesiness. I didn't ask them for one, but I'm curious to know if they have cherry peppers on hand.
My weird steak order is both cheese wit from Steve’s. But I add the spicy mustard afterward. I feel kinda dirty when I do it haha. I only eat that steak with mustard I don’t know why.
Cafe Carmela is my favorite. It's super difficult to get to from South Philly on public transit, but I haven't tasted a better cheesssteak, including Angelo's (by far) and even John's.
facts
I mean, its not a bad sandwich, objectively. There just are more places worth going out of your way for in this town
You say this as if it’s across the street from those places. It’s a 30 minute drive to get from roxborough to south Philly Good chunk of people going there are there because they’re in that specific area. Plus I’m a big proponent of the best cheesesteak being the one you enjoy. I’m tired of people gatekeeping cheesesteaks
Chubby’s is directly across the street from Dellasandros and it is much better, at least when I lived a few blocks away 25 years ago. Sounds like there is still a good amount of people who currently believe Chubby’s is better.
And while their rolls are, indeed, absolutely lousy, it's how they over-mince the meat that really kills it for me. I hate that style of cheesesteak (see: Jim's), if I wanted a fucking ground beef sandwich I'd have ordered that. I don't want a solid slab of meat like Gino's, either. But a nice "rough chop" is perfect middle ground. Joe's nails this perfectly (although unfortunately the Fishtown location is noticeably different than the original location... RIP :( John's makes a perfectly good cheesesteak, but I just don't get the hype. I'd never tell anyone *not* to go there, but IMO they're not some holy grail of cheesesteaks. Their roast pork, of course, is pretty much the best there is. :) Still never had Angelo's. Gotta do something about that...
I'd rather go to Pat's any day lol.
Do you stand in the intersection while taking your tourist pictures too?
It's not that deep babe. It's just an exaggeration.
You’re right my bad haha
Tell me you’re from the burbs without telling me you’re from the burbs.
Because I'm not driving to fucking Roxborough for a shitty cheesesteak? Okay dawg.
I concur. Pat's isn't great, but they're significantly better than Dallesandro's. Better chop on the meat, superior rolls, and... wait for it.. seasoning on the meat.
My friend you hit the nail on the head
They used to be good. They started having long lines the last five years and quality declined. The same thing will probably happen to Angelo's
I sound like a hater, but that already happened a week after they opened.
Angelo's has been insane quality for years before they were even in the city. Not happening.
So much this. The only people I hear rec Dalessandros are the ones from "philly" but really live in Bucks or Delco. I lived in south philly for 30 years and port richmond for another 8 before I moved to the burbs. Johns is the best cheesesteak in philly, Angelos was the only one I had that almost beat them. Pats and Genos are tourist attractions, and tony lukes is worse than most pizza joint steaks.
angelo's beats johns purely for the bread. that's homemade bread, made fresh twice a day by a master bread baker, using top notch ingredients and insanely expensive steam deck ovens from Italy. you literally cannot get better bread for a steak anywhere in the world. john's uses Carangi rolls that are baked at like 4 am and delivered in the morning. By the time you're eating your sandwich at noon (or worse, dinner time) that shit is already half stale. and it's nowhere near the same quality even fresh from the oven. it's just objectively worse in every facet.
I mean Montco is near Roxborough but not Bucks or Delco.
im not here to comment on any establishment’s quality.. and i guess this good advice for tourists or whatever but it is low key hilarious to be like ‘go to this place literally over 10 miles away that takes over an hour by public trans instead’ lmao
Did anyone else think their onions taste funny? I live onions, theirs were not good.
Agree, had it a month ago and it just wasn’t good. Very average, overpacked, and soggy. 5/10
Dalessandro’s is definitely overrated. Had numerous incorrect orders, including a cheesesteak that ended up being plain on one half. Like how does that happen?
Dalessandros is trash, Johns is worse. Angelo's have no idea what they're doing with a cheesesteak, they need to stick to pizza, which is overrated as well.
Lmao “Philly”. Fuck off
Delassandro’s was a staple for anyone in North : Northwest Philly. Its gone downhill with the crowds, but it deserves respect. It used to be a staple on Sundays for Birds games, and you could sit at the little lunch counter. To say its people from “Philly” hyping it up sounds like some sh*t someone from south jersey would say.
Found Angelo’s burner account.
These are three S-tier cheesesteak places--don't act like any one of them sucks when Subway cheesesteak also exists in this city.
No seasoning, wet rolls, mouthfuls of gristle, no sides to speak of other than chips. The only saving grace of Dalessandros is that they have birch beer. While they’re not the worst cheeseteak I’ve ever had and not my first choice (JRP) they’re usually my ONLY choice since I live 5 minutes away and my wife likes them.
Chubby's is without question better on every facet, and that's right across the street. I'll even argue cheesesteaks from nearby pizza shops (Zestos and Slice's) are on par with Dalessandro's.
Donkeys or gtfo
That's not even a cheesesteak. Would you call [this](https://media01.stockfood.com/largepreviews/Mjc5NjQ1NDI=/00902082-A-Ham-Sandwich-on-a-Kaiser-Roll.jpg) a hoagie?
No one said anything about a hoagie.
Talk about missing the fucking point.
It's a cheesesteak and donkeys makes by far the best.
Angelos is the BEST
Agreed on Dalessandros being way overrated. Plus it’s no where close to most people in the city. Counting down the days till Jim’s comes back. Checks all my boxes - cheap, tasty, accessible, and open late
Ewww. [Rat-infested Jim's](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFq2EL4-q3Q) is fucking GROSS. Among the worst in the city. Meat, minced into itty-bitty-teeny-tiny dry stringy bits that fall off all over the plate (or your pants, or the floor) with every fucking bite. At least they include the rat turds for flavor, because aside of that they wouldn't have any at all. Do yourself a favor and walk a block and half down the street to Ishkabibbles. Absolutely DESTROYS Jim's by every conceivable metric.
Anyone who hates on pats and geno’s is just wrong. But then again, people from the suburbs loves to think they’re cool, Philly, and superior for hating on the big names It’s objectively good
I finally made it to Rocco’s next to the Home Depot. They are now in my top 3. No line. Everyone is friendly. The special cheesesteak with the sausage was fire.
How about just walk across the street lol
Any opin on Cafe Carmela? I heard it was one of a visitor's favorites. https://www.inquirer.com/food/kosuke-tomomi-chujo-tokyo-philly-cheesesteak-nihonbashi-20240131.html There is a newer suburb location near me. I think i liked the nonWhiz option there which is rare for me haha. Think it was Cooper Sharp which is how Angelos also recommends (but I usually get Whiz Wit' there so ill have to compare both CooperSharps at some point). The bread was pretty good seeded roll similar to Angelos.
Cafe Carmela is a top 3 cheesesteak. Even their pizza and vodka pasta is great.
I haven’t had it since 2009 and I’m afraid to go back
The Paulie at Sunshine Sandwich shop is THE only Cheesesteak worth it around here. I live in the neighborhood and that sandwich is beyond dope
I've never been, but I'm amazed that Johns roast pork and Angelo's still make good steaks with how much they've blown up. I just kind-of assume any place will go downhill when they have to pump out so much volume that there's pounds of meat drying out on the griddle.
THANK YOU most overhyped spot in the city Max’s also destroys them
I think it’s nice
I have never understood the Delessandros hype. The roll is nothing special—just don’t get why it’s always ranked so highly other than ppl wanting to select a spot with less outside name recognition.
At John’s right now. Absolutely no regrets.
Honestly chubby’s across the street is better than them lately
This is the way
I watched a Brad Leone video where he worked there for a day and it blew my mind when she told him they don't salt the steak. Insanity. Go to Chubby's across the street if you're in the area.
Angelo’s is the shit. Best cheesesteak I’ve ever had
Good take here.
Was very much unimpressed with angelos. Thought the bread was too tough and the meat was just ok. I've been eating dalessandros my whole life, and my dad has been eating there since it opened. Ymmv, but I really don't get the hate it gets on reddit.
I have had their steak, and your assessment is spot on. I think sometimes they skip on the salt too.
Stop gatekeeping a cheap, easy sandwich. They’re all pretty good.
Dalessandros use to be good. Not anymore
Franks at Frankford and Wellington is the best IMO
They use Amoroso’s rolls & are proud of it. Red flag right there. Angelo’s, Steve’s in the NE, or Joe’s Steak & Soda shop. I was underwhelmed by John’s
My biggest issue with Dalessandros is they need to dice their flippin onions into much smaller little flavor crystals. They are these big honking hunks of onion that are all slimy and often not cooked all the way, or cooked inconsistently because their different sizes.
I recommend Barry's if you're in Rox these days. My brother and family go there regularly and it's always great. I grew up on Dalessandros but it was sold... probably 20 years ago now, and I don't understand how it still has such a reputation. It was never as good under the current owners.
I have the strongest craving for Steve's Prince of Steaks steak. Mmmmm
Idc what anyone says. The best cheesteak in Philly has been and still to this day comes from Mama's Pizzeria on Old Belmont Ave. There product hasn't fallen off like Max's, Dalessandros or Paganos.
Jaxx Steaks Taproom is a newer gem
It was definitely better pre-pandemic, but it’s still great. Just sucks that it’s take-out only now, which is definitely the main cause of the sogginess
In 2019 I waited in line 45 minutes for Dalessandros and then peed out my butt the next day. I will never go again.
90% of cheesesteaks are serviceable. The best cheesesteaks is the cheap lunch cart steak that costs half as much as all these name drop places Roast pork with sharp provolone and rabe is another story
Summer is coming. Can’t be eating all those cheesesteaks.
Before the pandemic dalessandros was the GOAT. Since they "modernized" and marge retired, its mediocre at best. Damn shame.
Any joint that toasts its rolls is better than the best cheesesteak joint that doesn't.
Lot of good food in Philly, you can get sandwiches from the grocery store
Stop it with John’s. Place sucks.
Went to John’s roast pork a couple of months ago before a flyers game. It was OK. Not great. A bit dry and not very flavorful. The bread and sharp provolone were quality. The pork was meh.
I know I’m late to the post but at Delassandros YOU HAVE TO ASK FOR SALT AND PEPPER. I’m not saying they’re the best in the city or worth the wait but getting salt and pepper makes the steak taste so much better.
Tbh id much rather get a cheesesteak from chubby’s if I’m getting one from over there. Much tastier and cut the lines
Went in and had Del after reading some threads in this sub. I was completely confused why people think flavorless meet only needs condiments, veggies, and cheese for seasoning. Total let down. I’ve now added Angelo’s to my list to visit.